5 Cheapest Community Colleges in South Carolina

When searching for the cheapest community colleges in South Carolina, you shouldn’t compromise on education quality. That’s why, finding an accredited, affordable college with a comprehensive curriculum becomes necessary. However, it’s not an easy feat!

Don’t worry; we have listed five of the top community colleges that offer quality education at affordable tuition rates. These will help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore them.

5 Cheapest Community Colleges in South Carolina

Studying in community colleges has its own benefits. The study body of such colleges is well-curated according to the students because their admission intensity is low. However, finding credible options among the pool of options can be challenging.

That’s why we have outlined some of the best community colleges in South Carolina based on their tuition, curriculum, focused majors, financial aid, retention rates, and teaching staff.

1. #1

   Trident Technical College

   Charleston , SC

   #3 Best Community Colleges in South Carolina 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $5K

   Graduation

   24%

   Student body

   17K

   Career Outlook for degree at Trident Technical College

   Cost of Degree: $5,059

   Starting Salary: $35,100

   Overview of Trident Technical College

   • Student-faculty Ratio: 20
   • Graduation Rate: 18%
   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   • Full Retention Rate: 53%
   • In-state Tuition: $3,413.72 to $3,785.42 per semester of 18 CH
   • Out-of-state Tuition: $6,445.82 per semester of 18 CH

   What Do We Love About Trident Technical College?

   Trident Technical College stands out as a beacon of affordability and quality in education in South Carolina. This affordability at TTC, combined with the availability of SC Lottery-funded Tuition Assistance, presents an economical path to higher education.

   The college offers a diverse range of more than 150 programs. These programs cover a wide array of disciplines, including business, engineering technology, aeronautical studies, health care, hospitality, film, media, visual arts, and law-related studies.

   • Trident Technical College is great for students who: Special military discounts make it a good choice for veterans and their families.
   • Trident Technical College might not be the best fit for students who: Trident Technical College lets you take a maximum of 11 credit hours per seven-week term, which may not be suitable for students who want to complete their degree in a shorter span.

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2. #2

   Piedmont Technical College

   Greenwood , SC

   #9 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $5K

   Graduation

   28%

   Student body

   7K

   Career Outlook for degree at Piedmont Technical College

   Cost of Degree: $5,315

   Starting Salary: $29,200

   Overview of Piedmont Technical College

   • Student-faculty Ratio: 17
   • Graduation Rate: 24%
   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   • Full-time Retention Rate: 54%
   • In-State Tuition: $2,325 to $2,595 for 12-credit hour degree
   • Out-of-state Tuition: $3,399 for 12-credit hour degree

   What Do We Love About Piedmont Technical College?

   Piedmont Technical College is a public community college serving seven South Carolina counties. It was established in 1966 as a part of the statewide technical education system. The college offers over 80 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs in various fields such as health care, engineering, business, and arts.

   It also offers continuing education, dual enrollment, and online learning opportunities to students and professionals. Piedmont Technical College has eight campuses, each with its own facilities and resources. The main campus features a state-of-the-art library, conference center, health science complex, and center for advanced manufacturing.

   • Piedmont Technical College is great for students who: The college has 80+ transfer programs for students who want to transition towards a better university course.
   • Piedmont College might not be the best fit for students who: The college has no designated organization or club for sports, which may not suit athletes.  

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3. #3

   Aiken Technical College

   Graniteville , SC

   Tuition + fees

   $5K

   Graduation

   19%

   Student body

   3K

   Career Outlook for degree at Aiken Technical College

   Cost of Degree: $5,306

   Starting Salary: $30,600

   Overview of Aiken Technical College

   • Student-faculty Ratio: 11
   • Graduation Rate: 26%
   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   • Full-time Retention Rate: 53%
   • In-state Tuition Rate: $189 per credit hour
   • Out-of-state Tuition Rate: $267 per credit hour

   What Do We Love About Aiken Technical College?

   Aiken Technical College is a two-year public technical college in Aiken, South Carolina. The college is dedicated to providing various associate degrees and technical certificate programs. With more than 60 programs, the college caters to a diverse student body, ensuring that each student’s unique educational needs are fulfilled.

   Aiken Technical College serves over 3000 students yearly, demonstrating its commitment to education and community development.

   • Aiken Technical College is great for students who: ATC’s free tutoring, library services, academic and career counseling, and job placement resources make it perfect for people who prefer special student services.  
   • Aiken Technical College might not be the best fit for students who: ATC associate degree programs aren’t suitable for individuals who prefer a traditional four-year college experience with longer, semester-based courses.

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5. #4

   Midlands Technical College

   West Columbia , SC

   #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $6K

   Graduation

   15%

   Student body

   13K

   Career Outlook for degree at Midlands Technical College

   Cost of Degree: $5,916

   Starting Salary: $32,600

   Overview of Midlands Technical College

   • Student-faculty Ratio: 19
   • Graduation Rate: 12%
   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   • Full-time Retention Rate: 47%
   • In-state Tuition: $188 to $235 per credit hour
   • Out-of-state tuition: $564 per credit hour

   What Do We Love About Midlands Technical College?

   Midlands Technical College (MTC) provides programs and courses for each age of students. MTC offers more than 120 programs. Some are university transfer programs after 2 years, while some are diplomas and certificate curriculums. Besides, there are chances for students to get financial scholarships.

   In addition to traditional education, MTC also has special facilities for career counseling and student clubs. Its special University Transfer Program allows students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at MTC and then transfer to a four-year university.

   • Midlands Technical College is great for students who: Every program, activity, and service of MTC is according to the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA), making it ideal for students with physical and mental disabilities.
   • Midlands Technical College might not be the best fit for students who: Graduation journey is quite challenging, especially for students with average academics.

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6. #5

   Spartanburg Community College

   Spartanburg , SC

   #8 Best Community Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $6K

   Graduation

   29%

   Student body

   8K

   Career Outlook for degree at Spartanburg Community College

   Cost of Degree: $6,030

   Starting Salary: $31,700

   Overview of Spartanburg Community College

   • Student-faculty Ratio: 15
   • Graduation Rate: 28%
   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   • Full-time Retention Rate: 55%
   • In-state Tuition: $204 to $233 per credit hour 
   • Out-of-state Tuition: $415 per credit hour

   What Do We Love About Spartanburg Community College?

   Spartanburg Community College (SCC) is a public, open-access institution serving diverse students from every age and backgrounds. SCC was founded in 1963 as a technical education college and has since expanded to offer more than 70 programs. It has five campuses across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties. SCC also provides online learning options.

   The college offers scholarships and grants to help students pay for college. SCC’s students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and dedicated faculty and staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.

   • Spartanburg Community College is great for students who: With 15 15-student-faculty ratio, SCC offers a more personalized learning experience to students.
   • Spartanburg Community College might not be the best fit for students who: The college only offers diplomas in the medical niche, which makes it unfit for engineering and IT students.

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Related Questions

What are the benefits of attending a community college in South Carolina?

Community colleges in South Carolina offer many advantages for students who want to pursue higher education at an affordable cost. Their financial aid programs, small class sizes, transfer agreements, and flexible schedules make them a good choice for pursuing your education.

Are there any additional costs beyond tuition for attending a community college in South Carolina?

Yes, there are additional costs beyond tuition that students should consider when attending a community college in South Carolina. Some colleges need registration and application fees before admission. Most technical and community colleges do not cover expenses for books and educational supplies. Accommodation charges are usually not included in tuition fees.

What are the admission requirements for a community college in South Carolina?

Most community colleges in South Carolina have an open admission policy, meaning anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. However, some programs may have additional requirements, such as minimum GPA and test scores. You should check the specific requirements for your desired program before applying.

Conclusion

Community colleges in South Carolina offer an excellent opportunity for students who want to pursue higher education at an affordable cost. However, not every community colleges are the same! This list of five cheapest community colleges can help you make an informed decision in choosing the perfect education institute.